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“My condolences go out to this man’s family and the thoughts and prayers of the community go out as well.

“If anyone has seen anything or has any information, please get in touch with the police.”

Piotr, in his late 30s, was originally from Poland but had been living in Maghera for a number of years.

Police believe that he was sleeping rough in the derelict property, formerly a Parochial House.

The postmortem revealed that he sustained serious injuries to his head and body.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce from PSNI Major Investigation Team said: “Piotr was a vulnerable homeless man from the Polish community who had been living in Maghera for a number of years.

Police at the scene in Maghera this morning (Image: PhotopressBelfast.co.uk - Justin Kernoghan)

“He suffered serious injuries to his head and body and we are working to establish the circumstances of this incident and determine the precise sequence of events that culminated in the tragic death of this man.

“I am keen to identify Piotr’s movements between Good Friday and Easter Tuesday when his body was discovered and I would appeal to anyone who was in contact with or who may have witnessed Piotr during this time to please contact us.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious at this house during the timeframe to contact detectives at our incident room at Magherafelt PSNI Station by calling 101, quoting reference number 919 of 03/04/18.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”